Krishnamruta Maharnava – XVII

Sloka 161: O Brahmins! Therefore, one should never fast on an Ekadashi that comes with Dashami (Dashami at sunrise). Just as a fallen brahmin spoils the Shraddha ceremony, similarly all the accumulated merits get destroyed if one fasts on Viddhi Ekadashi

Sloka 162: Just like darkness vanishes upon sunrise, similarly if one observes Viddhi Ekadashi, all his merits accumulated due to previous Japa, Dana, Homa, Snana and worship of Lord Hari gets destroyed

Sloka 163: O Brahmin! If there is Dina Kshaya on the day of Ekadashi, then Dwadashi is the appropriate day for fasting and consequently Parana (breaking the fast) must be done on Trayodashi. Notes: (a) If day starts with Navami, enters Dashami and later Ekadashi or (b) if Dashami exists for a while after sunrise or (c) if Ekadashi exists only for few ghatikas at sunrise and then Dashami starts – its termed Dina Kshaya. In such situations, fasting must be done on Dwadashi and Parana on subsequent day

Sloka 164: For Padya (pratipad) and other days, it is considered auspicious and the counting starts from previous sunrise to next day’s sunrise. But such a calculation is discarded for Harivasara (Ekadashi)

Sloka 165: One should know that if one fasts on an Ekadashi when Dashami exists, even if only during Arunodaya (dawn), then such a fast will lead to accumulation of sins

Sloka 166: If Dashami tithi is observed during Arunodaya time and one still fasts on such an Ekadashi, it leads to destruction of Purusharthas such as Dharma, Artha and Kama. Therefore, there is no observance of Ekadashi on such a day

Sloka 167: The 4 ghatikas before sunrise (4 x 24 minutes) is known as “Arunodaya Kala”. For yatis, this is the most appropriate time for bathing. The shastras proclaim this time to be as pure as the Ganga

Sloka 168: O Brahmins! If Ekadashi exists for 2 muhurthas (4 ghatikas) before sunrise, then such an Ekadashi is called Sampurna Ekadashi and fasting must be observed on the same day

Sloka 169: If Ekadashi exists only for 3 ghatikas before sunrise, then such an Ekadashi is called Sandighdha Ekadashi. Fasting must be avoided on this day as it can cause destruction of Dharma and Artha

Sloka 170: When there is Viddhi Ekadashi, fasting must be done on Dwadashi for the betterment of one’s children and grandchildren. Similarly, Parana must be done on Trayodashi. This will give the merits of hundreds of Yagas